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Hertz Car Rental - Non-smoking Policy FAQ

Hertz Car Rental - Non-smoking Policy FAQ



What is the Hertz policy on smoking in vehicles?

How long have Hertz vehicles been non-smoking?

Who is affected by the no-smoking policy?

Where will smoking be permitted?

What is the penalty for smoking in Hertz vehicles?

What if the vehicle I receive does not have a no-smoking sticker in it?

How can I ensure that I will not be charged a smoking related cleaning fee?

How are smoked in vehicles cleaned?

How is it determined that a vehicle has been smoked in?

When is it determined that the vehicle has been smoked in?

When will I know if I have been charged the cleaning fee for smoking?


What is the Hertz policy on smoking in vehicles?

Hertz is committed to providing a safe, clean fleet for our customers and employees. In order to better deliver on this commitment, all Hertz vehicles are non-smoking. A $400 cleaning fee will be assessed for vehicles returned with evidence of smoking.


How long have Hertz vehicles been non-smoking?

Hertz transitioned all vehicles to non-smoking in February of 2013. Previously, Hertz maintained a non-smoking fleet and provided vehicles that had been smoked in to those who preferred them. Smoking is no longer accepted as a preference.


Who is affected by the no-smoking policy?

Anyone who occupies a Hertz vehicle in the US and Canada must comply with the smoke-free policy by refraining from smoking in Hertz vehicles. All Hertz vehicles are non-smoking.


Where will smoking be permitted?

Smoking may be permitted in designated smoking areas and in accordance with state and local laws dependent on location. Please see the location for details.


What is the penalty for smoking in Hertz vehicles?

A $400 fee may be assessed to cover the cost of vehicle cleaning. De-smoking requires a vehicle be taken out of service for up to 24-hours so it can be cleaned with a natural deodorizer and an oxidation process.


What if the vehicle I receive does not have a no-smoking sticker in it?

All Hertz vehicles are non-smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any Hertz vehicle regardless of the presence of a sticker.


How can I ensure that I will not be charged a smoking related cleaning fee?

All vehicle occupants must refrain from smoking in the vehicle at all times. When receiving a vehicle, inspect it before leaving the rental location to ensure it is smoke-free. If evidence of smoking is found at the time of rental, notify a member of the Hertz staff.


How are smoked in vehicles cleaned?


Vehicles with evidence of smoking are thoroughly cleaned, vacuumed and treated with a natural deodorizer and an oxidation process. De-smoking requires the vehicle to be taken out of service for up to 24 hours, therefore a Cleaning Fee of $400 may apply when evidence of smoking is present.


How is it determined that a vehicle has been smoked in?

A Hertz employee must either:

  • Witness the customer smoking in a vehicle, or
  • Find evidence of smoking, such as ashes, cigarette butts or burns, or
  • Smell smoke within the vehicle.

When is it determined that the vehicle has been smoked in?

The Instant Return Representative makes the determination if a vehicle has been smoked in. If there is no Instant Return Representative available when the car is returned, the Vehicle Service Attendant will make the determination.


When will I know if I have been charged the cleaning fee for smoking?

In most cases you will know before leaving the Hertz lot. If no Return Representative is present you will see the charge on your final receipt.